High visibility cover for camo hunting blind

ABSTRACT

A high visibility cover adapted for use with a camouflage hunting blind that permits the blind to be easily visible to other hunters while at the same time not interfering with the use of the blind or the hunting technique of the occupant. More specifically, the high visibility cover is designed to universally and securely fit most sizes and shapes of hunting blinds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/775,172, filed Feb. 21, 2006,the entirety of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to an apparatus for improving the visibilityof a camouflage ground hunting blind. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a high visibility cover that provides a hunterusing a camouflage hunting blind with a high degree of safety andconvenience without interfering in any undesirable manner with huntingtechnique or the hunter's ability to engage in hunting activities.

2. Related Art

The success of most hunters in many types of hunting largely dependsupon the ability of the hunter to blend with the environment. Inaddition to using a variety of natural objects, hunters have oftenturned to a variety of camouflage articles to assist them in blendingwith their surroundings. Recently, there has been a trend towards theuse of portable camouflage ground hunting blinds in a variety of huntingactivities. These blinds are generally portable and can be assembled anddisassembled relatively easily and quickly. These hunting blindsgenerally protect hunters from the environment while concealing themfrom game animals. Such blinds typically contain a variety of openingsand/or windows positioned on the sides of the blinds for the hunter'sease in monitoring and shooting at game outside of the blind. Groundhunting blinds typically do not have any loose articles or fabrichanging from outside of the blind as such loose items can be moved bythe wind, and frighten various game animals away.

For various safety reasons, most local hunting laws require hunters towear apparel that is highly visible to other hunters. This is especiallytrue during firearm hunting seasons. The use of high visibility colorssuch as Hunter Orange has been shown to significantly reduce the numberof hunting related accidents. “Hunter Orange” refers herein to colorssuch as blaze orange, hunter orange, fluorescent orange, daylightfluorescent orange, Ten Mile, camouflage orange, Hunter Safety Green,fluorescent chartreuse, fluorescent yellow, any other highly visiblecolor that is approved or will be approved for hunting under local ornational laws, any combination thereof, and the like. The highly visibleapparel can take the form of a jacket, a vest, a hat, pants, or thelike. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,718, the entirety of which isexpressly incorporated herein by reference, some garments incorporatepatches of fluorescent orange in the garments themselves. Other garmentsincorporate Hunter Orange in a camouflage pattern.

Under most local laws, the area of Hunter Orange must meet certain sizelimitations. For example, in Wisconsin, during any gun or muzzleloaderseason, no person may hunt any game, except water fowl, unless at least50% of the person's outer clothing above the waist is colored BlazeOrange. Further, a hat, if worn, must be at least 50% Blaze Orange. Inother states, for example, apparel must contain at least a certainnumber of square inches of visible Hunter Orange.

The trend towards the use of portable camouflage ground blinds has beennoticed even in those types of hunting activities that require garmentscolored Hunter Orange. Despite the blaze orange clothing requirement,hunters using such ground blinds are nearly or totally concealed fromother hunters in the field. As a result, there is a concern that the useof such blinds will eventually lead to an increase in hunting relatedaccidents.

Some camouflage blind manufacturers have attempted to address thisconcern by incorporating small patches of high visibility material intotheir camouflage hunting blinds. For example, some hunting blindscontain a swatch or patch of blaze Hunter Orange material that may beexposed during certain hunting seasons but covered with a camouflagepatch during other seasons. These patches, however, are often small anddifficult for other hunters in the area to see. As such, these measuresare believed to be fairly ineffective in limiting the risk of huntingaccidents. Further, because many hunters already own a portablecamouflage ground blind, many are hesitant to purchase another huntingblind incorporating such patches of visible material.

It is also well-known to attach a protective, water-repellant orwater-resistant covering to a tent or other portable structure to offeradditional protection from the elements and additional ventilation tooccupants. Such coverings are often referred to as “tent flies.” Tentflies have distinct drawbacks, however, with respect to improving thevisibility of ground camouflage blinds to other hunters. Tent flies aregenerally designed to protect tents from rain and moisture. As such,tent flies primarily cover the roofs of tents and therefore may bedifficult to see from a side view or the ground level. Further, tentflies are typically not composed of a high visibility color. Inaddition, such tent flies typically extend like canopies beyond theperimeter of the underlying tent. Indeed, most tent flies are designedto be staked separately from the underlying tent. As such, tent fliesrequire much more ground space than the underlying tent and thereforeare difficult to utilize in most hunting conditions. Further, becausetent flies are typically staked separately from the tent, tent fliesoften require significant time and assembly. In addition, thecanopy-like features of a tent fly tend to be moved by wind and thatmovement can frighten game animals.

Tent flies are also generally designed to improve air flow andventilation around a tent. The additional ventilation afforded by suchtent flies is disadvantageous when hunting from a ground blind.Additional air flow often results in additional movement that can spookgame. Further, human scent spooks many game animals. Good hunters arecareful about masking their scent and hunting blinds are often designedto help hide a hunter's scent. Improved air flow around a ground blindmay defeat many of the scent masking capabilities of a ground blind.Finally, many hunting activities occur during the fall and winterseasons when temperatures are lower. Ground blinds are generallydesigned to cut the wind and trap warm air to help keep the occupantwarm. Improved air flow and ventilation around a ground blind candiminish this desired insulating effect.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

A simple covering is needed to minimize hunting accidents that may becaused by the use of camouflage hunting blinds.

This invention provides a simple apparatus for improving the visibilityto other hunters of a camouflage hunting ground blind to reduce the riskof hunting-related accidents. This invention separately provides acovering that is designed to fit over most sizes and shapes ofcamouflage blinds. This invention separately provides a covering thatmay be drawn close to the underlying hunting blind to minimize theoverall size of the system, potentially improve the scent-mask andinsulting effects of the underlying blind, and eliminate any loose ordaggling fabric or items that might be prone to move with the wind andthereby frighten game animals. In addition, this invention separatelyprovides a covering that is very portable and easy to assemble and usein connection with most camouflage blinds.

These and other features and advantages of various exemplary embodimentof systems according to this invention are described in or are apparentfrom, the following detailed descriptions of various exemplaryembodiments of various devices and/or structures according to thisinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according tothis invention will be described in detail, with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cover according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention suspended over a camouflage blind.

FIG. 2 is a perspective use showing an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention operatively in use over a camouflage blind.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in the form of a cover assembly 10 that comprises acover top 12, a plurality of stirrups 14, a plurality of lower panels16, and a flexible cord 24. The cover top 12 may take a variety of formsincluding, octagonal, round or square shape. In one exemplaryembodiment, the cover top 12 may be as shown in FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the cover top 12 comprises a plurality ofinterconnected triangular sections 18. In one exemplary embodiment, thesides of each triangular section 18 are substantially straight while thebase of each triangular section 18 arches toward the vertex in aparabolic or catenary fashion. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover top 12 inone embodiment is formed by attaching a first side of a first triangularsection 18 to a first side of a second triangular section 18, attachinga second side of the second triangular section 18 to a first side of athird triangular section 18, attaching a second side of the thirdtriangular section 18 to a first side of a fourth triangular section 18and attaching a second side of the fourth triangular section 18 to asecond side of the first triangular section 18 such that the vertex ofeach triangular section 18 meets at or about the same point. Thetriangular sections 18 may be interconnected by any variety of methodsand arrangements. In one exemplary embodiment, the sides of thetriangular sections 18 are sewn or stitched. In one embodiment, thestitching is hidden on the interior of the cover top 12 so the stitchingis not visible from the exterior of the cover top 12. The sides of thetriangular sections 18 may also be attached using an adhesive orfasteners such as hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro(& fasteners.Alternatively, the cover top 12 may be integrally formed.

In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of stirrups 14 are attached tothe cover top 12. In one embodiment, each stirrup 14 is a single lengthof material that is attached at one end to a corner of the cover top 12.The stirrups 14 may be attached to the cover top 12 by any variety ofmethods and arrangements. In one exemplary embodiment, the stirrups 14are sewn or stitched to the cover top 12. The stirrups 14 may also beattached to the cover top 12 using an adhesive or fasteners such as hookand loop fasteners such as Velcro® fasteners. Alternatively, thestirrups 14 and the cover top 12 may be integrally formed.

The stirrups 14 may be manufactured in a variety of shapes dependingupon the shape and structure of the ground blind 11 to be covered. Ascan be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the stirrups 14 may take avariety of shapes provided the shape does not interfere with ingress oregress from the underlying ground blind 11 or otherwise obstruct anydoors 13, windows 15 or other openings of the blind 11. In one exemplaryembodiment, the stirrups 14 will be elongated and are long enough toallow the distal end to extend to or nearly to the bottom of the blind11 when in use to cover a blind 11. In one embodiment, the width of thestirrup 14 may be generally consistent throughout the length of thestirrup 14. In one embodiment, the width of the stirrup 14 at the end ofthe stirrup 14 connected to the cover top 12 may be greater than thewidth of the stirrup 14 at the opposite end. In one embodiment, thestirrup 14 may have parabolic longitudinal edges. In one embodiment, thelongitudinal edges of a stirrup 14 may follow a parabolic contour suchthat the width of the stirrup 14 between opposed edges is less at thewaist or central portion of the stirrup 14 than the aft or foreportions.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the perimeter of the cover top12 comprises at least one plurality of sleeve structures 22 formedtherein. In one embodiment, the longitudinal edge of each stirrup 14 andthe edge of the base of each triangular section 18 comprising the covertop 12 are folded and an attachment seam 20 is sewn there along to forma plurality of sleeve structures 22 along substantially all of theperimeter of the cover assembly 10. In one embodiment, a single flexiblecord 24 passes through each of the sleeve structures 22 leaving a loopof flexible cord 24 at the distal end of each stirrup 14. Accordingly,in one embodiment, the stitching between the cover top 12 and eachstirrup 14 does not extend into the sleeve structure 22 to in any wayengage the flexible cord 24.

In one embodiment, the flexible cord 24 may not be a closed loop. In oneembodiment, a plurality of flexible cords 24 operatively associated tothe distal ends of a plurality of stirrups 14 may be used. In oneembodiment, the flexible cord 24 may be operatively associated with thecover assembly 10.

In one embodiment, the flexible cord 24 is made of rubber or some othertype of elastic material such as that known as a “bungee cord.” Othertypes of flexible cords 24 such as ropes, belts and the like may be usedbut some degree of elasticity is desirable. In one embodiment, a ripcord in combination with a tensioner is used. In one embodiment, theflexible cord 24 is sized in a manner so that the flexible cord 24 maybe pulled in a stretched condition once the covering assembly 10 isplaced over the camouflage ground blind 11.

In one embodiment, each set of adjacent stirrups 14 are interconnectedto lower panels 16. In one embodiment, the lower panels 16 are generallystitched or sewn to the stirrups 14. In one embodiment, the stitchingbetween the lower panels 16 and the stirrups 14 does not extend into thesleeve structure 22. In one embodiment, the lower panels 16 are attachedto the stirrups 14 at approximately the attachment seam 20. The lowerpanels 16 and stirrups 14 may also be attached using an adhesive orfasteners such as hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® fasteners.Alternatively, the stirrups 14 and lower panels 16 may be integrallyformed. In one exemplary embodiment, at least a first side of at leastone lower panel 16 is coupled to a stirrup 14 by at least one detachablefastener such as a button, snap, Velcro® attachment or the like topermit the first side of the lower panel 16 to be detached from thestirrup 14 when desired.

The lower panels 16 may be manufactured in a variety of shapes dependingupon the type of ground blind 11 to be covered. As can be appreciated byone skilled in the art, the lower panels 16 may take a variety of shapesprovided the shape does not obstruct any openings or windows 15 of theblind 11. In one embodiment, the lower panels 16 are in a substantiallycatenary or parabolic form. Such a form offers a number of advantages.For example, the catenary form is more stable and less likely to flap ormove in a breeze. In addition, the catenary form can cover additionalsurface area of the underlying ground blind 11 without interfering withor obstructs any portion of the windows 15 and other openings in theblind 11, while improving the visibility of the cover assembly 10 andunderlying ground blind 1 1 to other hunters.

According to alternative embodiments, the cover top 12, stirrups 14, andlower panels 16 may be made from any number of a variety of materialsand have any number of different arrangements and configurations toprovide the user with an article configured to suit multiple types andshapes of ground blinds 11. In one embodiment, cover top 12, stirrups 14and lower panels 16 are formed from any material typically used in thetent construction industry. Such material typically has thecharacteristics of being water-resistant and/or fire-resistant. Examplesof this material include polyester, nylon, canvas, vinyl reinforcedpolyester, mesh or the like which could be sewn and yet withstand theelements that could be encountered during a hunting outing.

In one embodiment, the cover top 12, stirrups 14 and lower panels 16 aremade from material that is highly visible to other hunters. In oneembodiment, at least one of the cover top 12, stirrups 14 and lowerpanels 16 are made from material that is Hunter Orange in color. In oneexemplary embodiment, the cover top 12, stirrups 14 and lower panels 16are made from 300 denier textured polyester Safety Orange material.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the cover assembly 10 isconfigured to substantially cover a variety of camouflage blinds 11without obstructing the views from or ability to open windows 15, doors13, and other apertures of the underlying camouflage blind 11. In oneembodiment, the cover assembly 10 is adapted to be coupled to and/orpositioned over a camouflage blind 11 such that the stirrups 14 extenddown the outside corners of the camouflage blind 11 as shown in FIG. 2.In one embodiment, the cover assembly 10 is adapted to be positionedover a camouflage blind 11 such that the stirrups 14 extend down thesides of the camouflage blind 11 between the door 13, windows 15 andother openings of the blind. The flexible cord 24 may then beoperatively connected to exterior stakes such as any stakes holding theblind 11. The user may tighten the flexible cord 24 across all of themargins of the stirrups 14 and cover top 12 which have a sleevestructure 22, to hold down all such margins and prevent any portion ofthe cover assembly 10 from moving in a breeze. In this stretchedcondition, the flexible cord 24 produces tensioning forces which areapplied to the cover top 12 and stirrups 14 which, in turn apply thesetensioning forces to the camouflage blind 11. It is these tensioningforces that maintain the covering assembly 10 in a taut position whenthe covering assembly 10 is in a secured state over the camouflage blind11.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with theexemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives,modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents,whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may becomeapparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art.Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forthabove, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changesmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlierdeveloped alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/orsubstantial equivalents.

1. A covering adapted to be coupled to a ground hunting blindcomprising: a cover top having at least one sleeve structure formedalong one or more margins of the cover top; and a flexible cordpositioned within the at least one sleeve structure.
 2. The covering ofclaim 1, wherein the cover top comprises a high visibility material. 3.A covering adapted to be coupled to a ground hunting blind comprising: acover top; a first stirrup attached to the cover top; a second stirrupattached to the cover top; at least one sleeve structure formed along anedge of the first stirrup, a contiguous first edge of the cover top andan edge of the second stirrup contiguous with the first edge of thecover top, and extending from a distal end of the first stirrup to adistal end of the second stirrup; and a flexible cord positioned withinthe at least one sleeve structure.
 4. The covering of claim 3, whereinat least one of the cover top, first stirrup and second stirrup comprisea high visibility material.
 5. A covering adapted to be coupled to aground hunting blind comprising: a cover top; a first stirrup attachedto the cover top; a second stirrup attached to the cover top; a thirdstirrup attached to the cover top, wherein the third stirrup and firststirrup are oppositely disposed; a fourth stirrup attached to the covertop, wherein the fourth stirrup and the second stirrup are oppositelydisposed; a first sleeve structure formed along an edge of the firststirrup, a contiguous first edge of the cover top and an edge of thesecond stirrup contiguous with the first edge of the cover top, andextending from a distal end of the first stirrup to a distal end of thesecond stirrup; a second sleeve structure formed along an edge of thesecond stirrup, a contiguous second edge of the cover top and an edge ofthe third stirrup contiguous with the second edge of the cover top, andextending from the distal end of the second stirrup to a distal end ofthe third stirrup; a third sleeve structure formed along an edge of thethird stirrup, a contiguous third edge of the cover top and an edge ofthe fourth stirrup contiguous with the third edge of the cover top, andextending from the distal end of the third stirrup to a distal end ofthe fourth stirrup; a fourth sleeve structure formed along an edge ofthe fourth stirrup, a contiguous fourth edge of the cover top and anedge of the first stirrup contiguous with the fourth edge of the covertop, and extending from the distal end of the fourth stirrup to thedistal end of the first stirrup; and at least one flexible cordpositioned within at least one of the first sleeve structure, the secondsleeve structure, the third sleeve structure, and the fourth sleevestructure.
 6. The covering of claim 5, wherein the flexible cord travelsat least from the distal end of the first stirrup, through the firstsleeve structure, across the margin of the distal end of the secondstirrup, through the second sleeve structure, across the margin of thedistal end of the third sleeve structure, through the third sleevestructure, across the margin of the distal end of the fourth sleevestructure, and through the fourth sleeve structure to the distal end ofthe first stirrup.
 7. The covering of claim 5, further comprising atleast one lower panel attached at one end to the first stirrup and at anopposite end to the second stirrup.
 8. The covering of claim 5, furthercomprising at least one lower panel removably attached at one end to thefirst stirrup and at an opposite end to the second stirrup.
 9. Thecovering of claim 5, wherein at least one of the cover top, the firststirrup, the second stirrup, the third stirrup, and the fourth stirrup.10. The covering of claim 7, wherein at least one of the cover top, thefirst stirrup, the second stirrup, the third stirrup, the fourth stirrupand the at least one lower panel are made of a high visibility material.11. The covering of claim 8, wherein at least one of the cover top, thefirst stirrup, the second stirrup, the third stirrup, the fourth stirrupand the at least one lower panel are made of a high visibility material.